Our lazy days - no early mornings rushing out to soccer games, no birthday parties, just lots of love, football, roaring fires in the hearth, New York Times and... waffles. If you ask me what are the best waffles I've ever eaten, you will not find me waxing poetic about the street waffles in Brussels or even the some of rather glorious creations at our favorite stops for brunch. No, my sweet husband's waffles hold that esteemed honor. They are ever so slightly crispy on the outside, light and fluffy, and just enough sweetness that they can be consumed with reverence just off the waffle iron.

 

 

 

The recipe, much like his interpretation for pancakes, is slightly modified from the basic waffle recipe found in the tome The Joy of Cooking. He has added a few extra steps and they make ALL the difference in the world. We usually stud about half the batch with chocolate chips and you can do this directly in the waffle iron. Additionally, this recipe is for a double batch; we always double it so that we can freeze leftovers and pull them out in the mornings for a quick breakfast before school. They are pretty crazy delicious fresh from the toaster with a spread of peanut butter - or Nutella (what isn't?)

 

 

DEN'S MAGIC WAFFLES

Whisk together in large bowl:

3 1/2 c flour

2 T baking powder

1 T demerara sugar

1 t. fine sea salt

Whisk together in another bowl:

6 organic egg yolks

1 t vanilla extract

1 1/2 c. milk

1 1/2 c. half & half

16 T melted butter

In another bowl beat until stiff peaks are formed:

6 organic egg whites

1 T demerara sugar

Turn on your waffle iron so it's ready to go. Combine the dry ingredients with the egg yolk mixture until thoroughly combined. Gently fold in the egg white mixture. There is a fine line here when mixing the whites in - they should be fully incorporated but not allowed to fully deflate. However, not mixing them enough will result in almost a meringue like texture. The batter should be fluffy - but not "gloppy" as den says.

Pour batter into the waffle iron to fill each mold about half way - this you will have to judge by your own waffle iron. Pull them out gently with a fork when the timer dings and keep them warm in the oven at 200F.

 

 

So the "rock n' roll" part of the blogs subtitle? If you've followed me on my blog Nectar & Light or Twitter, you know how much music influences me and how strong of a roll is plays in my life. We almost always play music when we eat, I feel it helps set the mood and encourages lingering over your food and equally delicious conversation. Here on Nectar, I will post playlists of what I was listening to while I cooked, baked - or while we ate. Maybe you will discover something new... maybe you will be inspired to let the muse of song influence you in the kitchen more...

Sunday Morning:

20 Years : The Civil Wars

California Stars: Billy Bragg and Wilco

Coffee in the Morning : Drug Rug

Easy : Faith No More

Follow Me Down : Golden Animals

Frozen Heart : Smoke Fairies

Go Outside : The Cults

Gold Mine Gutted : Bright Eyes

Hide Your Work : The Isles

I And Love And You : The Avett Brothers

Last Goodbye : Jeff Buckley

Little Man : Little Dragon

Rave On : M. Ward

Sunday Morning : The Velvet Underground

The Weight : The Band

Vikings : The Black Angels

We Both Go Down Together : The Decemberists

You can also download this playlist on Spotify.

 

Comments

[Christina]

Just made these UTTERLY DEVINE waffles. I'm so excited you're posting about food Jen. Your photos make me want to eat every single thing you ever post about :)

[jen a]

oh yeah!! so happy to hear they worked out for you - we actually had them again last night for dinner ;)

[esther]

you have excellent taste in music. i totally agree with you too on it's influence...i feel like i need it.

annd i'm LOVING your blog. yes to waffles, always.

p.s. i've been listening to the civil wars all day today. saw them in concert the other night. HOLY COW.

[Geneviève]

A petite question for you from a Frenchie girl (Quebec City) :) Could you tell me what you used to do your waffles? Is it a Cuisinart tools or something like this? Thank you :)

[jen a]

thanks to much esther - it's a little all over the place - if you check out my main blog tomorrow you'll see a metal playlist in honor of national metal day ;)

hi genevieve - it's a waffle iron with circus animal shapes. i bought it at williams-sonoma about 5 years ago. ours makes four shapes of full size waffles {clown, elephant, lion and tent} - it doesn't look like they carry it anymore but a quick google search found these iron that make 3 mini waffles...

http://www.allwafflemakers.info/?s=Circus+Waffle+Maker

[Geneviève]

Thank you for your rapidly answer... :)

[jen a]

of course! ;)

[Geneviève]

Hello Jen,
I've just received my waffle iron yesterday and I have tested it this morning with your recipe. Simplement delicious... I love the taste of the butter and the salt. I have ordered this machine : http://www.amazon.com/NordicWare-15040-Aluminum-Stovetop-Belgium/dp/B00004W4UE Great product form NordicWare (made in USA). I would like to test another recipe that taste more sugar... If you have one, tell me :) Thank you!!!!!

[jen a]

so happy you found one! and you can totally add another tablespoon of sugar to this recipe! hope to be posting our pancakes next week ;)

[Jordan 11]

I've just received my waffle iron yesterday and I have tested it this morning with your recipe. Simplement delicious